Description
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Frosting combine the warm spices of cinnamon and allspice with the rich flavor of pumpkin purée. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened, these cinnamon rolls are topped with a luscious browned butter frosting that melts over the rolls for an irresistible treat, perfect for fall breakfasts or cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Purée
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Active Dry Yeast
- 6 cups All-Purpose Flour (divided into 4 cups and 2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Filling
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened, divided into two 1/4 cup portions for spreading on dough)
Frosting
- 1 cup Butter (for browning)
- 3 cups Powdered Confectioners Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
Other
- Non-Stick Baking Spray, as needed
Instructions
- Warm Milk and Pumpkin mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup canned pumpkin purée, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Whisk together until lukewarm and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Activate Yeast: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon active dry yeast over the warm mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate, forming bubbles and showing signs of fermentation.
- Initial Flour Incorporation: Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture and mix until just combined.
- First Rise: Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, dry spot. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice. Set aside.
- Second Flour Addition: After the first rise, add the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the dough. Mix to combine.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently just until a cohesive ball forms. The dough should be sticky but not wet. Add flour as needed. Cut dough in half and set one half aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll and Fill Dough: Roll out one half of the dough into a long rectangle on a floured surface. Spread 1/4 cup of softened butter evenly over the dough with your fingers. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the buttered surface, covering edge to edge.
- Roll and Cut Rolls: Carefully roll the dough from the long edge to form a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick rolls.
- Arrange and Rise: Place the rolls cut side up into a baking dish greased lightly with non-stick baking spray. Repeat the rolling, filling, and cutting process with the other half of the dough using the remaining 1/4 cup butter and cinnamon sugar. Let the rolls rise for another 15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, watching closely to avoid overbaking. They should be golden and fully cooked inside.
- Brown Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup butter until frothy and the milk solids begin to brown, giving a nutty aroma. Remove from heat carefully.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, combine the browned butter, 3 cups powdered confectioners sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Frost Rolls: Spread the browned butter frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls so it melts beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy their moist, spicy, and rich flavor profile.
Notes
- Use lukewarm milk to activate yeast properly; too hot can kill the yeast and too cold inhibits rising.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the second flour to keep rolls soft and tender.
- The dough will be sticky; use flour sparingly when kneading to avoid tough rolls.
- Watch carefully during baking to prevent the rolls from drying out or burning.
- Browned butter frosting adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices perfectly.
- For best flavor and texture, serve rolls shortly after baking and frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Browned Butter Frosting, Fall Recipes, Spiced Rolls, Pumpkin Spice, Breakfast Rolls, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
